Halloween is supposed to be a spooky night, but parents don’t have to be scared about their kids’ safety if they follow some simple safety tips.
Over a recent five-year period, on average, twice as many child pedestrians have been killed on Halloween as have been killed on average throughout the rest of the year. This is unacceptable.
With the days getting shorter, children are likely to be trick-or-treating in the dark when it is harder for drivers to see them and the excitement of the holiday can make everyone less cautious.
“Parents need to remind kids about safety while walking before they go out trick-or-treating,” said Safe Kids Skagit County President Jim Lippert.
These reminders include:
- Take along flashlights or glow sticks, reflective bags, or have reflective tape on costumes to increase visibility to drivers.
- Do not wear masks which may inhibit the ability to see hazards.
- Do not allow children under age 10 to trick-or-treat without adult supervision.
- Make sure trick-or-treating kids go in a group and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting.
- Go only to homes where the residents are known and there are outside lights on as a sign of welcome.
- Cross streets safely. Cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don’t run, across the street.
- Walk on well lit sidewalks or paths with minimal street crossings.
- Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Drivers need to do their part to keep trick-or-treaters safe from harm by being alert, driving slowly in residential areas, and driving with headlights on so that they can spot children.
Parents also need to keep in mind that there are other hazards for their children on this holiday. Parents must check treats for choking hazards or signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Parents also should look for non-flammable costumes and non-toxic designations when choosing Halloween makeup and make sure their children wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes to prevent trips and falls.
Halloween should be a fun and safe time. Let’s make sure it is just that.
